The Rugged Apache: A-36 T-Shirt, A Comfortable Classic

The North American A-36 Invader/Apache was a tactical ground-attack and dive bomber aircraft used during World War II. It was known by several names, including Apache, Invader, and Mustang. The A-36 strongly resembled the P-51, but featured differences in its wing plan, including four air brakes. It was equipped with six .50-caliber machine guns and could carry two 500-pound bombs and a 75-gallon reservoir. The A-36 was first delivered in March 1943 and saw action in campaigns across Italy, Sicily, China, India, and Burma. While its effectiveness in combat is debated, the aircraft was known for its stable and precise bombing capabilities, with pilots taking advantage of its air brakes during campaigns in Italy and Sicily.

A-36 Apache model kits

If you're an aviation enthusiast, you may be interested in A-36 Apache model kits. These kits offer a detailed and direct way to construct a miniature version of the iconic aircraft. Here's a guide to help you get started:

Finding the Right Kit

The A-36 Apache, also known as the Mustang, has been reproduced in model kit form by various manufacturers. One of the most popular options is the Accurate Miniatures 1/48 A-36 Apache kit. This kit is widely available and offers a good balance between detail and ease of assembly. It can be found on websites like eBay and Scale Mates, often with additional accessories and decals.

Scale and Details

The A-36 Apache model kits typically come in 1:48 or 1:72 scale, with the former offering a larger and more detailed model. These kits include intricate parts for the interior, landing gear, and weapons systems. Some kits may also include clear parts for the canopy, allowing you to display the detailed interior once completed.

Assembly and Painting

When assembling your A-36 Apache model, take your time and carefully follow the instructions. Pay close attention to the alignment of parts, especially when joining the wings to the fuselage. The interior details, such as the instrument panel and sidewalls, can be enhanced with scratch-built items or aftermarket photo-etched sets for a more realistic appearance.

The A-36 Apache was often painted in olive drab and neutral grey, but you can also experiment with other colour schemes. Pre-shading and washes can add depth to your model, while oils and pastels are great for weathering effects to replicate the worn look of aircraft in period pictures.

Decals and Accessories

Decals for the A-36 Apache are available but may be limited in variety. Aftermarket decals can provide additional options for markings and insignia. To further enhance your model, consider adding accessories like gun barrels, exhausts, and cockpit details offered by companies like Quickboost and CMK.

Building an A-36 Apache model can be a rewarding experience, offering a detailed miniature representation of this historic aircraft. With careful assembly, painting, and the addition of aftermarket accessories, you can create a stunning display piece that showcases the power and elegance of the A-36 Apache.

A-36 Apache decals and accessories

If you're looking to customise a model of the A-36 Apache, there are a variety of decals and accessories available. For the exterior, you can find British Markings, Italian Spring 1944 markings, and USAAF markings. To add extra detail to the interior, there are 3D decals available. You can also find gun barrels and exhausts for the A-36 Apache, as well as a vacuform canopy.

For those looking for a more involved customisation project, there are kits available that include two full A-36 Apache models inside. These kits come with extra detail parts, clear parts, and decals. The A-36 Apache model can also be purchased as part of a larger set, which includes a P-51A Mustang model.

If you're looking to build an A-36 Apache model from scratch, there are plastic model kits available. These kits include a variety of parts, such as plastic sprues and decalsheets. The kits come in a range of scales, from 1:48 to 1:72, so you can choose the level of detail you want to work with.

A-36 Apache history

The North American A-36 Apache was a ground-attack/dive bomber aircraft used by the United States during World War II. It was a variant of the P-51 Mustang, distinguishable by its rectangular, slatted dive brakes above and below the wings.

The A-36 project was a stopgap measure to keep North American Aviation (NAA) assembly lines running in 1942, despite the US having exhausted its funds for fighter aircraft. The A-36 was designed as a dive-bomber version of the P-51 fighter, with production beginning in September 1942. The first A-36A rolled out of the NAA Inglewood plant that same month, with deliveries of the first production machines commencing soon after.

The A-36 Apache entered combat in the spring of 1943, serving until early 1945. A total of 500 A-36 dive bombers served in the Mediterranean and Southeast Asia theatres during World War II before being withdrawn from operational use in 1944. The aircraft proved to be a potent weapon, capable of being put into a vertical dive at 12,000 ft with deployed dive brakes, limiting the dive speed to 390 mph. This allowed pilots to achieve extremely consistent results when bombing targets between 2,000 and 4,000 ft.

In addition to its role as a dive bomber, the A-36 also racked up an impressive number of aerial victories, with 84 enemy aircraft shot down. The first two units to receive the A-36 were the 27th and 86th Bombardment Groups of the 12th Air Force, with the former being the first to see combat action. On June 6, 1943, the 27th Bombardment Group carried out its first mission over the Italian island of Pantelleria, and the A-36 soon became an effective and popular fighter/dive bomber.

Despite its success, the A-36 had a relatively brief service life, and by June 1944, it had been replaced by other aircraft in Europe, although it continued to see limited use in other theatres until the end of the war.

A-36 Apache technical specifications

The North American A-36 "Apache" was a dive bomber and ground attack aircraft used by the United States during World War II. It was a variant of the P-51 Mustang, featuring dive brakes above and below the wings to limit its dive speed to 390 mph. The A-36 was powered by a single Allison V-1710-87 liquid-cooled piston V12 engine, capable of producing 1,325 horsepower. It had a maximum speed of 365 mph, a cruising speed of 250 mph, and a range of 550 miles.

The A-36 had a length of 32 feet 3 inches, a wingspan of 37 feet 0.25 inches, and a height of 12 feet 2 inches. Its armament consisted of six 0.50 calibre Browning M2 heavy machine guns and a bomb load of up to 1,000 pounds on two underwing hardpoints.

The A-36 Apache was first introduced in 1943, serving in the Mediterranean, Southeast Asia, North Africa, Italy, and the China-Burma-India theatre. It saw action in the Sicilian campaign and proved to be a potent weapon, capable of being put into a vertical dive at 12,000 feet with deployed dive brakes. The A-36 was well-received by pilots and recorded 84 enemy air kills. However, it had a high loss rate, with 177 aircraft lost to enemy action.

The A-36 played a significant role in the Allied war effort, particularly in the Mediterranean theatre. It demonstrated its effectiveness as a ground attack aircraft in an attack on a well-defended rail depot and ammunition dump at Orte, Italy, in 1944. Despite its success, the A-36 was replaced by more capable aircraft, such as the Republic P-47 "Thunderbolt", by 1944.

A-36 Apache in combat

The North American A-36 Apache was a single-seat aircraft that served as a ground-attack/dive bomber during World War II. It was also known as the "Mustang" or "Invader" and was essentially a P-51 Mustang with the ability to dive. The A-36 was designed as a dive-bomber version of the famed P-51 fighter, with the addition of bomb racks, dive brakes, and heavier-duty wings.

The A-36 Apache proved to be a very effective weapon in combat. It could be put into a vertical dive at 12,000 feet and, by deploying its dive brakes, could limit its dive speed to 390 mph. This made it a very stable aircraft in a dive, giving pilots the ability to achieve consistent and deadly results. The A-36 also had an impressive number of aerial victories, with 84 enemy aircraft shot down.

The A-36 Apache entered combat in the Spring of 1943 and served until early 1945. A total of 500 A-36 bombers served during World War II in the Mediterranean, North Africa, Italy, and the China-Burma-India theater. The first two units to receive the A-36 were the 27th Bombardment Group and the 86th Bombardment Group of the 12th Air Force.

On June 6, 1943, the 27th Bombardment Group carried out its first mission over the Italian island of Pantelleria. The A-36 Apaches flew in combat operations against the island, which later became the home base for two A-36 Apache units during the Allied invasion of Sicily. The A-36 also served in China-Burma-India with the 311th Fighter-Bomber Group, which arrived in Dinjan, India, in the summer of 1943.

The A-36 Apache was powered by an Allison V-1710-87 liquid-cooled V12 engine, which produced 1,325 horsepower. It had a maximum speed of 365 mph, a cruise speed of 250 mph, and a range of 550 miles. Its typical armament consisted of up to 1,000 pounds of bombs and six M-2 Browning machine guns.

The A-36 Apache was generally well-liked by its pilots and was known for its reliability and performance. However, it had one significant weakness: the vulnerable location of its radiator/cooling system, which led to many losses. Despite this, the A-36 made a significant contribution to the Allied war effort, particularly in the Mediterranean theater.

Frequently asked questions